NEW YORK– With a forecast for sustained winds of 18 to 25 miles per hour and gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, Con Edison is mobilizing extra crews throughout New York City and Westchester Countytoday to respond to any power outages that might occur.

Fallen trees and broken limbs can sever power lines and may damage overhead electrical systems.

The company urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems online at www.conEd.com, or by calling Con Edison’s toll-free customer service number

1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power. Customers can also obtain restoration time and view outage maps online athttp://www.coned.com/sm/outageinfo.asp.

Con Edison will have additional employees available to assess damage from the winds and fallen trees, in addition to tree-trimming crews, skilled mechanics expert at making repairs to overhead equipment, and safety personnel. Staff will work around the clock to ensure that all customers receive safe and reliable service.

The company will be in contact with local and municipal officials, as well as the New York City Office of Emergency Management and Westchester County Department of Emergency Services to keep them up to date on all efforts.

Here are some tips to prepare for a storm:

Have a lights-out kit that is well stocked and handy, with a battery-operated radio or TV, several flashlights and a supply of fresh batteries.

In the event of a power outage, customers should protect their major appliances and any electronically-sensitive equipment, such as computers, by switching them to the “off” position.

Stay indoors. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and dangling lines. Treat all downed lines as if they are live and dangerous.